[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6428058,"mediaKeyId","5906965-76b7c51f03c283426058fc9dce2d7c69","parentId",5906965,"title","Proclamation for Charlie Kirk prompts public protest and a board vote to waive naming rules; county to place memorial sign along County Road 475","audioSeconds",5739,"startMs",2391000,"endMs",8130000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5906965-76b7c51f03c283426058fc9dce2d7c69&start=2391&end=8130","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5906965-76b7c51f03c283426058fc9dce2d7c69/thumbnail_2391000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6428058/Marion-County/Florida/Proclamation-for-Charlie-Kirk-prompts-public-protest-and-a-board-vote-to-waive-naming-rules-county-to-place-memorial-sign-along-County-Road-475","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428058-9240c8ff73561e6e3012d40e4d7587d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434012&Signature=cfTdUwErF87DmQzrGkRE2xFHtyMJFHxyF26fV3BS9~1ymT1VoaT8HH9cE3eOKdZhsoyrIBU5iy6Yr~HdlZvLmotqZunDymL~VzoFBwUBcXdU~MjBQKDK-8MSaQFY7-MYLCXcKghZDmT1dh6kMWqK0c-hstHGIgYwlVg2Vh4Kj-ewx8Efk-XhHhOHvRsQXItwyMsdlmoWMJqn8wY66vThHIvec4NTLiJ6Ir0laJCCk6ImlAwXqbgTyCryc1C4UAMBXjpDO8ednhtz18C2yUbe6Jjogw-aIPvuhIWjjTSkZPP7BGopTtHu9lMweRVVUtxjPSD4oDR0RYTkF5nDuKnf3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Marion County","date","2025-10-07T00:00:00Z","article","A board proclamation recognizing conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and a subsequent request to dedicate a county road to his memory drew large public comment on Oct. 7, with supporters and opponents making sharply divergent arguments about his record and whether the county should memorialize him.

Public comment and issues raised
Multiple speakers urged commissioners to rescind or not formalize the proclamation, saying Kirk’s rhetoric and activism were divisive and that naming public infrastructure for a nonlocal, controversial figure was inappropriate. Speakers included JD Elliott, who characterized Kirk as “a racist… a bigot… a homophobe” and urged the board not to “make a permanent stain” on the county; ministerial and civic speakers warned that celebrating Kirk would exclude residents and elevate hateful rhetoric. Other commenters defended the proclamation and Kirk’s work, praising his outreach to youth and saying he represented hope and civic engagement.

Board action and policy change
In light of the controversy, Commissioner John McLean moved and Commissioner Stone seconded an amendment to the county’s naming policy to add a written provision clarifying that a majority of the board may waive portions of the naming policy. That motion passed unanimously.

Following the policy amendment, Commissioner Zalick moved (seconded by Commissioner McClain) to dedicate a memorial sign for Charlie Kirk along County Road 475, from County Road 312 north to SW 40th Street (the section includes several school campuses). The motion passed 4–1 with Commissioner Curry dissenting.

Why it matters: The episode illustrates the board’s authority to modify internal policy and make local naming decisions by majority vote, and it highlights civic tensions over memorials tied to contemporary political figures. The board’s action will place a memorial sign on a county roadway; commissioners said the decision does not rename the road in county records but will erect a dedicated sign.

What’s next: Staff will implement the board’s direction to place the memorial sign on the designated stretch of County Road 475 and follow the revised county policy for recordkeeping. No ordinance or permanent renaming was approved; the board used its newly clarified waiver authority to proceed with the memorial sign.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of County Commissioners on 2025-10-07 9:00 AM","oneSentenceSummary","A proclamation honoring Charlie Kirk produced sustained public comment Oct. 7, and after a policy amendment allowing board waivers, commissioners voted 4–1 to place a memorial sign on County Road 475.","taxTitle","Marion County, Florida","taxId",4897,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6428086,"Marion County lauds 10 years of prison dog training program as adopters and partners mark milestone",2120,2120000,-1,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5906965-76b7c51f03c283426058fc9dce2d7c69&start=2120&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5906965-76b7c51f03c283426058fc9dce2d7c69/thumbnail_2120000.jpg","/articles/6428086/Marion-County/Florida/Marion-County-lauds-10-years-of-prison-dog-training-program-as-adopters-and-partners-mark-milestone","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428086-459a6cebf823ace2b569de24f43b8c20/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434012&Signature=EAHojQS~cC4RxNDJEjgqokr7nVHdjjZAY2Y1dL6jhyjiBe2l15U0iu7lcq~C4tD9AbMuwoFOok8bV5r~Tqxr0zO3CP3doN4bDDfWEbgFgkrk~prhMwNijMT2cxYtyhWwODuuLPyxPfgywXteJw1i4XUSjv8QOCIN~PrTvZRZplCmA0acbkc0Q9N6EHn2ir3KTBXO6sxWXWd3RL8qEPHplqXRTd2wpGT-jmntosr-wr4grrSbAlWNXQuTof1g0cjkpK4W~LjhJNQxLHJwOfGwJlktyDrgowpc5OxpwmacTwTWg9vbZ7-6EfkzdiU2noQdKNDJDYB0VXLHcrhRVWAdWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Marion County Animal Services and the Florida Department of Corrections marked roughly 10 years of the county’s prison-based Fido training program, praising steady adoptions and broad community support.

Animal Services Director Kira Lynch told the Marion County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 7 that the program launched by memorandum of agreement in March 2015 has graduated multiple classes since its first session in October 2015. “Since that time, 36 more classes have graduated,” Lynch said, and adopters from early classes shared written tributes at the meeting.

The program pairs incarcerated men at the Marion County Correctional Institution work camp with shelter dogs to teach obedience, socialization and basic skills over roughly eight-week courses. Lynch credited Wendy Hilliard, a longtime program specialist with Marion County Animal Services, for selecting dogs, supporting adopters and maintaining long-term contact with families after adoption. Lynch said community partners provide essentials and volunteer training: “To ProScion Training… Mocha’s Pet Supplies… PALS… Ocala Dog Ranch — your support has been vital.”

Adopters who spoke through prepared submissions told commissioners that dogs from the program went on to be family companions, therapy or support animals and retained training learned in the program. Lynch also thanked the Florida Department of Corrections for enabling the corrections-based training and noted that the program’s classroom and volunteer time helps participating men gain patience, responsibility and vocational skills.

Commissioners recognized the program publicly at the dais and allowed a brief appearance by a graduate dog, Josie, during the presentation.

Why it matters: The program combines animal welfare and corrections programming with community partners to reduce shelter stays, increase adoption rates and provide vocational training opportunities for incarcerated participants. Lynch and other presenters emphasized that program partners and donors have kept the operation running without drawing significantly on county tax funds.

What’s next: Lynch and staff did not request new county funding during the presentation; she asked for continued board support. The commissioners offered public thanks and encouraged residents to consider adoptions and volunteer roles.

","Marion County Animal Services and the Florida Department of Corrections marked roughly a decade of the Fido (star paws) training program, highlighting hundreds of adoptions, dozens of graduating inmate classes, and sustained community partnerships that support training, care and adoption follow-up.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6428071,"Marion County weighs options as Lake and Seminole counties seek to reshape District 5 medical examiner services",4268,5232000,9500000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5906965-76b7c51f03c283426058fc9dce2d7c69&start=5232&end=9500","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5906965-76b7c51f03c283426058fc9dce2d7c69/thumbnail_5232000.jpg","/articles/6428071/Marion-County/Florida/Marion-County-weighs-options-as-Lake-and-Seminole-counties-seek-to-reshape-District-5-medical-examiner-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428071-c3db8b1b9b85ce14b83d45e2a5f3d2cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434012&Signature=aMagkkfjbaMSYsV1TT7gRoFn3eruO9i146l42SPPDeexaXsQuSNelcFS6ih8zs9QRO0rFNtGzLzOtkcp7v34wAH9HO2VmOJhjLhsNNElIZr0-YdeuUH1mwaPg-pYjOmzhWOK1JXUl4aqigqTStok3lXApdFWJ27mmsrAgcN1fymeRMW19aPl-l57EuodpmD3MrfjxMJ3nqS-WkJDPh0UbCdinJVkegKM43XLOMen1y6Ey3GbOqFbCO51MEn2~gBG6WegdFdcOOY2zBPu9UK1YrhuP9p7R6sLWoBP1DSjqguhBvSNC73e-KI5seu7I9Lq7W7hQtdrn07vHyoKRffLug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Marion County Board of County Commissioners discussed competing options for the District 5 medical examiner arrangement and directed county staff to seek a negotiated approach that protects Marion County’s interests, County Attorney Guy Minter reported on Oct. 7.

Background: District structure, property and recent moves
Minter told commissioners the District 5 medical examiner currently serves Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties. Seminole County joined the district under a 2018 interlocal agreement; the parties later discussed a new joint facility and in 2024 Marion County acquired property in Oxford with county-led planning toward a shared facility.

Since last year, Lake County’s board voted to explore leaving District 5 and aligning with Seminole (District 24). Seminole and Lake presented options to other district participants: either Seminole and Lake would leave and develop a Seminole-based facility while the remaining counties retained the Leesburg facility, or Seminole and Lake would remain in Leesburg and the remaining counties would use the Oxford site. Minter said Lake’s recent vote to leave created a host of outstanding legal and financial issues for the remaining District 5 counties, including possible buyout claims for the Leesburg facility and a deed “right of reverter” tied to Marion County’s Oxford acquisition.

County attorney recommendations and board directions
Minter reviewed the legal and practical complications — no current appraisal exists for the Leesburg building, the 2018 and 2024 agreements contemplated shared costs and an Oxford plan that has not been finalized, and Seminole has said it intends to leave District 5 whether or not Lake follows.

Commission discussion focused on protecting the county’s interests and keeping regional service continuity. Commissioners emphasized the need to: (a) avoid premature concessions; (b) press Lake and Seminole for clear, written terms if they want to exit; and (c) consider an alternative campaign to ask state officials or legislators for funding for a Marion-led Oxford facility if the district breaks apart.

Board direction (next steps)
- Commissioners directed County Attorney Guy Minter to draft a counterproposal/counteroffer that clarifies timelines and financial responsibilities if Lake and/or Seminole leave the District 5 arrangement, and to seek agreement from the other counties where possible.
- Commissioners gave staff consensus to consider and pursue legislative funding support (state-level) as a path to build and secure a Marion-area facility in Oxford if a split leaves the remaining counties needing a new site.
- Commissioners instructed staff to oppose Lake County’s exit before the state Medical Examiner Commission unless acceptable terms are negotiated and a clear plan protects Marion County’s access to a facility.

Why it matters: The outcome will affect where autopsies and related forensic services are performed for Marion residents and how counties apportion costs. The county’s Oxford site, the Leesburg facility’s ownership and a deed reverter clause complicate any split. Commissioners asked for written proposals and additional legal analysis before endorsing any party’s plan.

What to expect: Minter will prepare a written counterproposal and explore legislative advocacy options; staff will return with recommended terms and legal analysis.","County attorney briefed commissioners on a months-long dispute among the District 5 counties and Seminole/ Lake County about the regional medical examiner facility in Leesburg and a Marion County-owned property in Oxford. Commissioners directed staff to pursue a counterproposal and explore state funding if Lake and/or Seminole leave the district.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":80,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6428079,"Marion County approves initial funding and plan steps for America 250 celebration; fireworks deposit, TDC project strings authorized",5233,5233000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5906965-76b7c51f03c283426058fc9dce2d7c69&start=5233&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5906965-76b7c51f03c283426058fc9dce2d7c69/thumbnail_5233000.jpg","/articles/6428079/Marion-County/Florida/Marion-County-approves-initial-funding-and-plan-steps-for-America-250-celebration-fireworks-deposit-TDC-project-strings-authorized","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428079-da04f72320929740b0cec2fbc4724bf8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434012&Signature=afIcpEBEu-e-Na~wVN5M25SAGleCHxtGZKcR0XFp47BGiKPzYqJN8fVM~f0XW1pm3Yx~ZgZ-5lwocJVp3wA6LrVkRQ9sts5kzDbPr2CP4Opd-RMoQFn7qqdaAfa4~vWQ5psoCzzZ0mFytFchIk4G66W-hi9Apy6J24csa7zaZUv6xLik0p8H2EQQe0ZWK-x~tJx7xV8VZWdFrN7pgktVthRl62kHfEG6enMGRQbhQ1XYGgFl~qWv4sB4iRuG5KlvkyR6FvcgtqKZJKe006s2~YrUlHNRhkn5dgomZRjaV4PDXVS-AGF2alyY-~uLuxSgdI-RjZBXP6-bDuQKhurxTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff presented a broad plan on Oct. 7 for Marion County’s participation in the national 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 and secured immediate backing from commissioners to reserve funds and begin contracting work for a countywide celebration.

Assistant County Administrator Amanda Tarr described a program of events spanning the county that would include educational efforts, a countywide parade and a synchronized multi-site fireworks finale. Tarr said staff expects to reach hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors and proposed a combined county/Tourism Development Council (TDC) funding structure for the effort.

Tarr provided preliminary cost estimates and vendor notices: a 30‑minute professional fireworks display at multiple locations was estimated at roughly $30,000 per show, and vendors required a 50 percent deposit to hold dates. Tarr asked commissioners for consensus to establish dedicated project accounts in both the county’s public relations budget and the TDC budget and to authorize a bid-exemption process to secure a fireworks vendor quickly.

Commission consensus and next steps
- Commissioners gave staff consensus to establish an operating project and dedicated revenue account in the public relations budget and a corresponding project in the TDC budget to track revenues and expenditures tied to America 250 activities.
- Commissioners granted consensus to secure fireworks with a deposit, drawing a short-term sum from general fund reserves to lock vendor availability. Staff asked for a $75,000 funding block (the presentation noted a 50% deposit of about $60,000 would be needed for the fireworks bookings), and commissioners agreed to the approach and to pursue sponsorships and TDC and state grant funding to replenish and cover expenses.
- Commissioners also consented to a procurement bid exemption to contract quickly with a fireworks vendor; staff said only a small number of firms can handle multi-site synchronized shows and that schedules fill quickly.

Tarr described additional items the committee is planning — a veterans’ oral-history archive, a Bill of Rights Day program, a ‘Look Up Marion’ community-engagement piece aligned with civic education, and a proposed Marion County Day on March 28, 2026 — and said sponsorships and TDC grants will cover a large share if secured.

Why it matters: The board’s consensus allows staff to lock time-sensitive vendors and begin fundraising and marketing for a multi-site, countywide commemoration that staff estimates could cost roughly $250,000 in total. Securing fireworks deposits now preserves vendor availability for the July 4, 2026, timeframe but creates an immediate cash requirement the county will place in project accounts and seek to replenish through sponsorship and TDC revenue.

","County staff outlined a multi-month America 250 (250th anniversary) celebration and requested consensus to create budget projects, secure fireworks with a deposit, and pursue sponsorships and tourism funding. Commissioners gave staff consensus to create project accounts and to secure fireworks with an initial deposit from reserves.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":80,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6428050,"Builder challenges Marion County R-1 roof-pitch rule for Rolling Hills lots; building official points to code and appeal process",7219,7219000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5906965-76b7c51f03c283426058fc9dce2d7c69&start=7219&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5906965-76b7c51f03c283426058fc9dce2d7c69/thumbnail_7219000.jpg","/articles/6428050/Marion-County/Florida/Builder-challenges-Marion-County-R-1-roof-pitch-rule-for-Rolling-Hills-lots-building-official-points-to-code-and-appeal-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428050-37be933830dbe3720ac39af425f9c253/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434012&Signature=RSfSM5IujIbktd3Tu5lKasbnOwKQUEMFb2-2j8zYUia28TAufMg4nW5nEhPhF-Rnk-MHwluca1-Dwrwb7GPOJiXp9d-npjFY~gE-HRrd-9aNSHXGHiwMN-KLhPnRs78pjD7d23oXwAjIb8P76vnnNZv29ghTgEPsUe6O-f67Lyp0aTu1b6K9K~wZi8YPRn86i9ZDDxLNjYQyztyQrLyXEFozLgmQJlEJHH1lLwZOV1uY9Y6scpHmIy8GIsLsRhCYv2kbAFiIdAepz2SF~J9YlDF5Mm1rctQAusNMOTOK645oQJ7FdG0ZH78-imHIpnHMTtzAVsWS4LRmWFFgJGxprQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A building-permit dispute over low-pitch/flat-roof house designs in the Rolling Hills area drew a brief staff explanation and direction to follow the county code or an appeal process.

Designer and builder concerns
Designer Kevin Ternius and a contractor said their client planned to build four single-family homes on one-acre lots in Rolling Hills with modern, flat-roof facades. Ternius told the commission that similar homes received permits in 2022 and that the current rejection is preventing planned construction and local investment.

Code explanation and options
Mike Savage, Marion County Building Safety Director, responded that the core issue is zoning-specific code language for R-1 (single-family) areas. Savage cited county code Section 5.5-40 and said the R-1 standards include a minimum roof pitch requirement (which the county revised several years ago from 5:12 to 4:12). \"The issue at hand ... they wanna build a 1:12 roof pitch instead of the code-required 4:12 roof pitch because this is a county code requirement,\" Savage said. He told the applicants they may appeal a building official’s determination to the county licensing review board; alternately, the board could consider an ordinance change through the land-development process.

Next steps
Savage said staff offered to meet with the designer and produce options, and the board advised following the administrative appeal or proposing an ordinance amendment through the normal planning and code-review channels. No policy change or waiver was approved at the meeting.

Why it matters: The dispute highlights how development design conflicts with long-standing zoning standards and the formal avenues available to resolve them — an administrative appeal to the licensing review board or a legislative change to the land-development code.

","A designer and local builder asked the board to intervene after county building staff rejected permits for single-family homes with low/flat roof facades in an R-1 zone. The building official said the code requires a 4:12 pitch in R-1 and that the appellants may appeal to the Licensing Review Board or pursue an ordinance change.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Proclamation for Charlie Kirk prompts public protest and a board vote to waive naming rules; county to place memorial sign along County Road 475

Marion County lauds 10 years of prison dog training program as adopters and partners mark milestone

Marion County weighs options as Lake and Seminole counties seek to reshape District 5 medical examiner services

Marion County approves initial funding and plan steps for America 250 celebration; fireworks deposit, TDC project strings authorized

Builder challenges Marion County R-1 roof-pitch rule for Rolling Hills lots; building official points to code and appeal process